Predators In Talks To Add Calgary Banker As Investor

Coca-Cola Football League Championship club Derby County co-Owner Brett Wilson "might be about to take a position in the Predators," according to Gordon & Maki of the GLOBE & MAIL. Wilson is "keenly interested in buying into the Predators given his business connections in [Nashville] and affinity for hockey fans there." He confirmed that he met with Predators Owner David Freeman last week in Nashville and that they "spoke again this week." Wilson: "We're still returning each other's phone calls but nothing's finalized. We'll see what happens in a week." Wilson previously has said that his "eventual share in the Predators would be 'nominal.'" Gordon & Maki note with "efforts under way by Freeman and his co-owners to recoup the 27[%] share" belonging to former team investor William "Boots" Del Biaggio III, it "wouldn't be a stretch to imagine Wilson increasing his involvement." Wilson also "leads a consortium" that owns the Double-A Southern League West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. Gordon & Maki write if the Predators opportunity "doesn't pan out there may be other options for Wilson," as Wilson said that he has been "contacted 'by an investment banker' about investing in the financially troubled Phoenix Coyotes, who are effectively up for sale" (GLOBE & MAIL, 2/5).